RUNNING your own business could be the greatest challenge of your life, and perhaps one of the scariest.

Starting up is the biggest challenge - there are so many new things to learn - but what a lot of people possibly may not know is that there is a raft of free help available for new companies right here in Worcester-shire and Herefordshire.

If you have an idea for a business, all you have to do is contact the Business Link West Mercia Enterprise Team and they will offer you free training and support.

A training course covers how to run a business, finance, marketing and writing a business plan. The course is specially designed to provide all the tools needed to get going and survive.

"Starting a business is exciting but we recognise there is an awful lot to learn about," said Helen Sandifort, manager of the Enterprise Team at Business Link West Mercia.

"Once a client has contacted us, we will talk to them, discuss their needs and ensure they receive the right support, including advice, guidance, information and training. Everyone is also assigned their own mentor to help them through the process."

Help is also available for businesses after they have started up, to support them through the early stages of trading and beyond.

Business Link West Mercia is operated by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

For more information or to book a free business start-up course telephone 0800 104010.